I hate the idea of putting my money into RRSP and only get 1 -2% and it sits there. How would I deduct the interest based on my rental earned income? My tenant just pays me every month and I still pay the mortgage from my account.

Is there any other option to avoid paying taxes? I'm looking at anywhere between 3-7k.

If I contribute 10,000 in RRSP I get back an additional $2800, my dad is against me in doing this as my “money” is locked.

My argument is I’m buying a home in the next few years and the funds are just sitting in my account.

I have 15K saved up

Your money is not "locked". You can decide what type of investments you want within your RRSP (whether it's a simple savings account, or stocks, or whatever). You can withdraw that money under the Homebuyers Plan, for up to $25,000, tax-free. Yes, you'll need to pay it back (over 15 years, interest-free), but it helps you build up a down payment.

Also unemployed for a year odd jobs here and there but getting back in the work force this year when I come back from South Africa.

What should I do

If you have a low income year, you could withdraw from your RRSPs, because the taxes paid on the withdrawal will be low. However, I wouldn't do that if possible, since you're saving up for a house. (Obviously you can't be unemployed for a long term while also saving for a house; if that's the case you have to withdraw to live.)

I hate the idea of putting my money into RRSP and only get 1 -2% and it sits there. How would I deduct the interest based on my rental earned income? My tenant just pays me every month and I still pay the mortgage from my account.

Is there any other option to avoid paying taxes? I'm looking at anywhere between 3-7k.

RRSP - If you assume some risk you will get better % return. Such as the stock market.
You deduct rental expenses on CRA form T776. Mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities are the big ones. Any rental income in excess of your expenses becomes part of your net income for tax purposes.

Yes premiums to a health or dental insurance plan are considered medical expenses for Income Tax purposes. All your medical expenses must exceed 3% of your net income in the year to be of benefit to you though.

Since accidental and life insurance are not deductible as medical expense, why hospitalization insurance (e.g. where I'd pick a higher grade room to stay at the hospital instead of the one covered by MSP) is? My family members are arguing that they (accidental/life/hospitalization insurance) are of the same nature, where payouts for claims will be tax free. Kindly if you can provide a link reference? I can't find any specific on the internet myself. Thanks!

Note: the insurance premium is 100% paid from my own pocket, not covered by my employer.

Since accidental and life insurance are not deductible as medical expense, why hospitalization insurance (e.g. where I'd pick a higher grade room to stay at the hospital instead of the one covered by MSP) is? My family members are arguing that they (accidental/life/hospitalization insurance) are of the same nature, where payouts for claims will be tax free. Kindly if you can provide a link reference? I can't find any specific on the internet myself. Thanks!

Note: the insurance premium is 100% paid from my own pocket, not covered by my employer.

Health premiums are a medical expense. Life insurance, accident and disability premiums are not. Health insurance premiums are only deductible if you pay them, not your employer. And only if the premiums can be separated from any life or disability portion.

Since accidental and life insurance are not deductible as medical expense, why hospitalization insurance (e.g. where I'd pick a higher grade room to stay at the hospital instead of the one covered by MSP) is? My family members are arguing that they (accidental/life/hospitalization insurance) are of the same nature, where payouts for claims will be tax free. Kindly if you can provide a link reference? I can't find any specific on the internet myself. Thanks!

Note: the insurance premium is 100% paid from my own pocket, not covered by my employer.

Accident and life insurance insure you against an accident or death paying out a lump sum to spend as you wish tax free. Health insurance reimburses you for medical expenses incurred out of your own pocket. CRA allows a medical expense credit under Subsection 118.2(1) of the Income Tax Act. There you will find the specific items you are allowed to claim. Accident and Life insurance are not listed.

Hi, I have a question. I was offered a full time position with an US company, I would continue living in Canada (so would my family), I would have to travel.
I understand that I'd have to pay income taxes in both countries but get a tax credit from the US (Can/US treaty).
Assuming I'd make the same $ amount (say $100k/year) in either country, given the taxes, would I be better off ($) getting paid in USD?

If not, it's where you should start to get an overview.
If so, please let us know in case someone knows where you should read up next. (There are several good books at most public libraries on Canadian taxes but I don't have one to recommend.)

My rental property is sold and transfer to new owners March 2018. Tenants moved out Dec 2017. If I dont rent out the unit for next few months, can I claim mortgage (interest portion) against my income tax? If yes, my rental schedule will be negative number...

The rental schedule can have a negative number. This was my situation for many years with a managed property that had negative cash flow after all costs were paid. The investment remains eligible as long as there is a reasonable prospect of earning money from it, even if you do not earn a positive return for some period of time.